Eyeglass frame, a hinge, an eyeglass and a method of manufacturing a hinge

ABSTRACT

An eyeglass frame comprises a frame front, a pair of temple bars and a hinge for each temple bar to provide a pivotal connection. The hinge comprises a coil winding of a resilient wire integral with the temple bar and a body with a threaded groove integral with the other one of the frame front or temple bar. The body comprises friction material and the coil is adapted for cooperating and pretensioned engagement with the body in order to provide a pivotal connection with a controlled friction resistance to turning of the pivot. The invention a so provides a hinge, an eyeglass and a method of manufacturing a hinge.

This application claims the benefit of PCT Application No.PCT/DK01/00285 filed Apr. 27, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an eyeglass frame, a hinge forconnecting a temple bar to an eyeglass frame, an eyeglass, and a methodof manufacturing a hinge for linking a temple bar to an eyeglass frame.In particular the invention relates to eyeglass frames comprising hingesfitted with friction members.

As used herein the term eyeglass relates to the well known accessorywhich substantially comprises two lenses of glass or of other refractiveor tinted, transparent material intended to be worn in front of the eyesof the user enabling him to obtain a corrected or a darkened viewthrough the glasses, and a form of spectacle frame arranged to keep thelenses or glasses expediently fixed in the preferred position of use,where the user can look straight forward with both eyes and withparallel lines of sight through the respective lenses.

It is well known to provide such eyeglass frames with a frame front forholding the glasses and with a pair of temple bars for supporting theframe, which temple bars are connected to the frame front by means ofhinges so as to allow the eyeglass to be folded up when not in use.

Even though a variety of eyeglasses are available, development is stilltaking place in order to find new solutions which might gain marketshares, e.g. by offering particular features or cost benefits or throughoffering new aesthetic features.

U.S. Pat. No. Re 36 882 to Lindberg et al. discloses an eyeglass framewherein the temple bar comprises a wire of which one end section hasbeen wound into a coil for providing the exterior part of a hinge. Thehinge pintle comprises a straight section of wire integral with theframe front. End sections of the pivot wire are angled laterally so asto provide double constraints for axial movement of the coil. This hingedesign has proven successful, however, it is associated with someaestethical and functional limitations. Thus, in this hinge thelaterally angled sections of pintle wire protrude beyond the coil whichmay be undesirable. Both hinge parts comprise metal and thus the hingeoperation involves metal rubbing against metal, a combination whichgives rise to wear. Thus, it is not practically possible to make thishinge with a predetermined level of friction.

Due to the pitch in the coil the turning of the hinge is bound to belinked with some axial displacement, thus giving rise to wear betweenthe lateral end portions of the pintle wire and adjacent portions of thecoil. This rubbing gives rise to friction, however, on reversing thedirection of pivoting this frictions vanishes due to play between thelateral pintle wire sections followed by restablishment of some degreeof friction against the opposite one of the lateral pintle wiresections. Most often friction to turning of the temples vanishes quicklyleading to a not very attractive tactile feel of the parts tending to beloose.

WO 97/23803 discloses an eyeglass with hinge means comprising doubleconcentric coils of wire. Thus, a wide coil basically integral with theframe provides a female thread engaged by the exterior of a narrowercoil integral with temple bar. This solution relies on wire rubbingagainst wire and does not permit establishing and maintaining anypredetermined level of friction in the hinge.

WO 00/29896 discloses a hinge comprising coils in respect of each of thetemples and of the frame front, which coils have generally similardiameter and pitch in order that they may engage about a common pin withinterengaging windings. In this solution metal rubs against metal onturning the pivot with the likely result that friction will vary overtime.

WO 98/40778 discloses a hinge for an eyeglass with coils in respect ofeach of the temple bars and the frame front. The coils are mutuallysimilar and engaged about a common pin, one coil on top of the other.The pin comprises an enlarged head to provide axial restraint. In thiscoil metal rubs on metal with the likely result that friction may varyover time. On turning of the temple bar, there is bound to be axialmovement and separation among the parts according to the pitch of thecoil. This implies that the head of the pin must allow axial play. Thisdoes not create an optimum tactile feel. Further, the head of the pinbears on the top most winding of one of the coils with the danger thatthe coil may work its way past the head by the screwing action.

WO 99/21046 discloses a hinge for an eyeglass comprising a strip ofmetal wrapped about pivot inserts of friction material. The resilientstrap of metal applies a radially directed biasing force on the frictionmember so as to eliminate any play in the hinge and to establish acontrolled level of friction. Only with respect to the axial constraintthere is the danger of metal rubbing against metal, however, the axialforces are virtually nil due to the absence of coils or other factorsthat might create axial displacement. This hinge is not integrated withwire components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is a desire to provide eyeglass hinges with a superior tactilefeel, i.e. without any play, with a predetermined friction resistance onturning the pivot, which friction resistance should be completelyunchanged over time, i.e. not affected by wear, or reversal of themotion, etc. There is a desire for such hinge means in association witheyeglass frames comprising wires. There is a desire for small and simplehinge means that permit easy adjustment of the attitude of the hingeaxis in order to permit adapting the eyeglass frame so as to have thetemple bars folded nicely together.

The invention in a first aspect provides an eyeglass frame as recited inclaim 1.

This eyeglass frame offers pivoting of the temple bars with frictionretention at all positions without localized wear of the hinge means bythe biasing forces relied on for providing the friction. The biasing onthe pivot eliminates any sense of play in the hinge means. The hingeensures accurate guidance of the temple bar in all positions and thuscreates a tactile feel of a high quality product. The hinge does notrely on protruding parts to axially constraint the motion and thusoffers the designer all options of creating a design of his choice. Thehinge may be implemented in a very small size and thus is unobtrusive inview.

The hinge body comprises a friction material, preferably one thatcooperates well with the resilient wire.

The hinge body comprises a hollow member fitted about a hard core. Thispermits combining a comparatively soft exterior capable of adapting tothe coil together with a sturdy core for structural quality.

The core comprises a strip of metal extending from the frame end whilethe coil comprises one or more windings of an end section of wire of thetemple bar. This provides easy integration of the hinge components withthe eyeglass frame and with temple bar and permits easy adjustment, e.g.for achieving proper hinge alignment.

According to a preferred embodiment an end face of the coil wirecooperates with an abutment to provide a constraint for turning of thepivot. This provides a positive definition of the end position while thecoil serves to provide a controlled degree of resilience so as to softenthe impact on the abutment and so as to provide a comfortable operation.Preferably the abutment restraints the outward motion of the temple bar.In the opposite direction, i.e. in folding the temple bar against theeyeglass frame rear side, no further abutment is required.

Preferably the threaded groove comprises at least one full revolution inorder to allow a secure retention by the coil and in order to ensureequal distribution of the forces affecting the hinge body.

The invention in a second aspect provides a hinge as recited in claim 4.This hinge is simple in manufacturing and easily combines with varioustypes of eyeglass frames, in particular eyeglass frames with wire templebars. This hinge also achieves the advantages enumerated above.

Advantageous embodiments appear from the claims dependent from claim 4.

The invention in a third aspect provides an eyeglass as recited in claim7. This provides an eyeglass with a high quality hinge that creates ahigh quality tactile feel and operation and that is completely stable inoperation over long time spans. This eyeglass achieves the advantagesenumerated above. Advantageous embodiments appear from the claimsdependent from claim 7.

The invention in a fourth aspect provides a method of manufacturing ahinge according to claim 10. This provides a simple method ofmanufacturing a high quality hinge that easily integrates with theeyeglass frame front and with the temple bars. This method permits easyadaptation of hinge qualities such as a hinge attitude and frictionretention.

Preferred embodiments of this method appear from the dependent methodclaims.

When fitting a hollow member about a hard core, the components should bematched to achieve a positive retention with no possibility of mutualrotation. This may be achieved by various methods known in the art suchas by including resiliently tensioned elements and by providing barbsand cooperating recesses or by other means.

Further features and advantages of the invention will appear in furtherdetail from the description of advantageous embodiments given below withreference to the drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of part of an eyeglass as seen from thefront,

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of part of an eyeglass as seen from therear,

FIG. 3 is an enlargement of a detail from FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of basic components of the hinge inassembled state,

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the components from FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is an axial section of the hinge components shown in FIG. 4,

FIG. 7 is an enlargement of a detail from FIG. 6,

FIG. 8 is a different axial section of the hinge components shown inFIG. 4,

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but showing an alternative embodimentof the hinge,

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a detail from FIG. 8, and

FIGS. 11 a-11 g depicts a component of the hinge in a set of views fromall sides as well as in sections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

All figures are schematic and not necessarily to scale and show onlydetails essential for enabling those skilled in the art to practice theinvention, while other details are omitted for the sake of clarity. Inall figures the same references are used about identical or similaritems.

Reference is first made to FIG. 1 which shows part of an eyeglass 1,said part basically comprising one glass 2, one hinge 5 and part of theeyeglass frame front 4 as well as part of the temple bar 7. The completeeyeglass 1 generally comprises frame 3 and glasses 2, the frame beingconstituted by frame front 4, temple bars 7 and hinges 5. The completeeyeglass has not been illustrated as the completion of the details shownand explained so as to implement the eyeglass is considered to liewholly within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.

As may be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the hinge 5 basically comprisestemple coil 8, pivot core 13 and body or barrel 16.

In the embodiment shown in Figures the temple bar 7 comprises a piece ofwire, of which an end section is wound into a coil 8. This coilinteracts with the barrel 16 in order to permit swinging the temple barfrom the open position ready to use as illustrated in the Figures andinto the folded position where the temple bar is situated closelyagainst the rear side of the eyeglass frame 3 as will be understood bythose skilled in the art.

On swinging outward the temple bar 7, one coil end face 9 strikes onabutment 15 which provides a positive stop for the movement.

The coil winding of a resilient wire may be integrated with one of theframe front or the temple bar. The body with a threaded groove may beintegral with the other one of the frame front or the temple bar.

The barrel 16 is fitted about pivot core 13 which is integral with astructural member referred to as the hinge base 10. Hinge base 10 is anelongated member connected to an extension 6 of the frame front 4 by anymeans as known to those skilled in the art, e.g. by gluing, casting, orpress fitting.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4 and 5 for an explanation of furtherdetails concerning the hinge and in particular concerning hinge base 10.

As will be evident from FIGS. 4 and 5, the hinge base 10 comprises apiece of material which as been cut and bent into the shape illustratedin FIGS. 4 and 5. The hinge base 10 comprises a lug 11 adapted for beingintegrated into the frame front entension (refer also to FIG. 3). Thehinge base 10 further comprises arm 12 with an extension bent in orderto provide the pivot core 13.

In order to assemble the parts, the barrel 16 is fitted about the pivotcore 13, and the temple coil 8 is fitted about the barrel 16. As analternative, the temple coil may be fitted about the barrel and thecombination subsequently fitted about the pivot core. Fitting of the lug11 into the frame front extension may be undertaken prior to theassembly of the hinge or subsequent to the assembly of the hinge as isconsidered convenient.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11 for a description of the barrel 16.FIG. 11 shows a barrel according to a first embodiment in views fromabove, from below, from the front, from the side, in sections with thelines A—A and B—B and in isometric view. As will appear the barrelbasically comprises a member with an axial opening 17 and with anexterior thread comprising groove 19 and ridge 20. The groove 19 isrounded with a shape adapted to match the windings of the temple coil.The thread basically comprises about 2½ full revolutions. The threaddefines axis 25 which is the hinge axis.

The axial opening 17 has a rectangular section. Adjacent the top therecess is widened to etablish ledges 21. In the barrel lower portionthere is a rounded recess 18 to one side.

In other embodiments the axial opening 17 may have a uniform crosssection outwardly, i.e. without the ledge 21.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6 and 7 which illustrate a sectionthrough the hinge. Thus, these figures show barrel 16 fitted about pivotcore 13 and supporting the temple coil 8.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pivot core 13 comprisesbarbs 14. On fitting the barrel on the pivot core these barbs formindentations in the barrel opening and thus provide retention of thebarrel.

Prior to assembly the temple coil is wound to a diameter somewhatsmaller than that of the barrel exterior in order that the temple coilis resiliently expanded on fitting the coil about the barrel. Thus thetemple coil serves to secure the barrel against the pivot core and thebarbs.

The resilient tension of the temple coil serves to ensure a good gripwith no play in the hinge, with accurate control of the temple attitudein all directions and with a stable degree of friction resistance inturning the pivot.

As may be seen in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 the pivot core 13 does not protrudeabove the barrel 16. At the hinge lower portion, the bend connecting thearm 12 with the pivot core 13 is completely concealed in the recess 18in order that the lower side of the arm 12 is flush with the lower sideof the barrel 16. Thus, the pivot components are virtually completelyconcealed by the temple coil.

In opening the temple bar 7 the temple coil end face 9 engages abutment15 which basically is a face on the arm 12 (refer FIG. 3). Preferablythese cooparating faces are both planar and oriented along the axis ofthe hinge. This provides the advantage that the temple coil end facerests solidly against the abutment with no bias tending to displace thetemple coil end face from the abutment and thus no tendency to distortthe components.

Preferably the temple wire comprises a titanium wire with round crosssection. A titanium wire of a diameter of 1.1 mm has been found wellsuited. The hinge base 10 may comprise a piece of titanium that has beenstamped and bent into the shape illustrated.

The barrel may comprise a hard polymer such as polyacetal withreinforcements of carbon fibres or glass fibres. Admixings ofpolytetraflour ethylene may be used for superior sliding properties. Apolymer named RTP 881 TFE 10 DEL Acetal Homopolymer Carbon Fiber PTFELubricated from RTP Company, Winona, Minn. USA, has been found wellsuited. Other types of suitable materials are a polymere A3WC4 from BASFin germany or. RMKU 2-2511 from Bayer Corporation in Germany.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 9 and 10 for illustration of a barrelaccording to a second embodiment.

In the second embodiment the barrel 22 inside the axial opening 17comprises an internal bead 23 adapted for cooperation with a neck 24 onthe pivot core 13 so as to provide retention of the barrel on the pivotcore. Other details are similar to those of the first embodiment.

Although specific embodiments have been explained above for theillucidation of the invention, these embodiments are in no wayconsidered to limit the scope of the invention which may be varied inmany ways by one skilled in the art within the scope of the appendedclaims.

1. An eyeglass frame apparatus comprising a frame front, a pair oftemple bars, hinges for each temple bar pivotally connecting arespective temple bar with the frame front, each hinge comprising a coilwinding of a resilient wire and a body with a threaded groove, the bodycomprising a hollow member fitted about a hard core comprising a stripof metal extending from a frame end, the body comprising material withfrictional properties, the coil comprising a winding of an end sectionof the wire, and a pivot connection between the coil and the bodyenabling a pretensioned engagement of the coil with the body andproviding a controlled friction resistance to turning of the pivot. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coil winding with the resilientwire is integral with the frame front.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the coil winding with the resilient wire is integral with thetemple bar.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body with thethreaded groove is integral with the frame front.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the body with the threaded groove is integral with thetemple bar.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an abutmentand an end face of the coil wire cooperating with the abutment forconstraining the turning of the pivot.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the threaded grove comprises at least one full revolution.
 8. Ahinge apparatus for connecting a temple bar to an eyeglass framecomprising a coil winding of a resilient wire integral with the templebar, a body with a threaded groove integral with the frame front, thebody comprising a hollow member fitted about a hard core comprising astrip of metal extending from a frame end, the body comprising materialwith friction properties, the coil comprising a winding of an endsection of the wire of the temple bar, and a pivot connection be weenthe coil and the body enabling a pretensioned engagement of the coilwith the body for providing a pivotal connection with a controlledfriction resistance to turning of the pivot.
 9. The apparatus of claim8, further comprising an abutment and an end face of the coil wirecooperating with the abutment for constraining the turning of the pivot.10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the threaded groove comprises atleast one full revolution.
 11. An eyeglass apparatus comprising aneyeglass frame front, a pair of glasses mounted on said frame front, apair of temple bars, a hinge for each temple bar pivotally connecting arespective temple bar with said frame front, the hinge comprising a coilwinding of a resilient wire integral with the temple bar and a body witha threaded groove integral with the frame front, the body comprising ahollow member fitted about a hard core comprising a strip of metalextending from a frame end, the body comprising material with frictionalproperties, the coil comprising a winding of an end section of the wireof the temple bar, and a pivot connection between the coil and the bodyenabling a pretensioned engagement of the coil with the body forproviding a pivotal connection with a controlled friction resistance tothe turning of the pivot.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, furthercomprising an abutment and an end face of the coil wire cooperating withthe abutment for constraining the turning of the pivot.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the threaded groove comprises at leastone full revolution.
 14. A method of manufacturing a hinge for linking atemple bar to a front of an eyeglass frame, comprising the steps of:providing a coil winding of a resilient wire integral with the templebar, providing a body with a threaded groove integral with the framefront, wherein the body comprises material having frictional properties,selecting for the body a hollow member and fitting the member about ahard core, selecting for the core a strip of metal extending from aframe end, providing the coil by winding an end section of the wire ofthe temple bar, fitting the coil in cooperating and pretensionedengagement with the body, and pivotally connecting the coil and the bodywith a controlled friction resistance to turning of the pivot.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising providing an abutment, engagingan end face of the coil wire with the abutment, and constraining theturning of pivot.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprisingproviding at least one full revolution of the threaded groove.